Flow baffle installation methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method of flow baffle installation is disclosed herein. The method, in various aspects includes the steps of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, bolting the side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, bolting the opposing side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, adjusting an adjustable cross-member to span between the side support and the opposing side support. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

The apparatus, methods, and kits disclosed herein related to retrofitsumps to control the flow therein.

2. Background

Water such as, for example, storm water, sanitary wastewater, and othersuch flows may contain pollutants in the form of various settleableparticulates. In various aspects, the water may be channeled throughvarious existing pipes or other drainage channels that pass through oneor more sumps. In order to control pollution, it may be desirable toutilize these existing sumps to capture particulates entrained in thewater.

The flow velocity may decrease as the water passes through the sump, sothat some of the particles entrained in the water may settle to thebottom of the sump. The particles settled to the bottom of the sump maybe retained at the bottom of the sump, and may be removed from thebottom of the sump by periodic cleaning However, large flows through thesump may re-entrain the particles before the particles are removed fromthe sump. Furthermore, the flow velocities and flow patterns in the sumpmay hinder the removal of particles from the water by settling. Variousapparatuses that train the flow within the sump have been developed tobe retrofit into existing sumps or fit into sumps generally as the sumpis constructed in order to enhance particle removal by enhancingparticle settlement in the sump and to prevent re-entrainment ofparticles into water flowing through the sump.

These existing sumps, in various aspects, may be a generally confinedspace with limited access through a manhole or other such entryway. Theconfined space with limited access may cause difficulty withretrofitting an existing sump with such apparatuses to control the flow.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in the apparatus thattrain the flow within the sump, as well as associated methods, and kitsthat facilitate the retrofit of existing sumps with such apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other needs and disadvantages may be overcome by theapparatus, methods, and kits disclosed herein. Additional improvementsand advantages may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the artupon study of the present disclosure.

A method of flow baffle installation is disclosed herein. The method, invarious aspects includes the steps of orienting a side support at aspecified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support,bolting the side support to the sidewall of the sump following the stepof orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall ofa sump using a leveling support, orienting an opposing side support atthe specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using acorresponding leveling support, bolting the opposing side support to thesidewall of the sump following the step of orienting an opposing sidesupport at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump usinga corresponding leveling support, adjusting an adjustable cross-memberto span between the side support and the opposing side support.

A flow baffle installation kit is disclosed herein. In various aspects,the kit includes a side support adapted to attach to a sidewall of asump, a leveling support adapted to be slideably received by the sidesupport, an opposing side support adapted to attach to the sidewall ofthe sump, a corresponding leveling support adapted to be slideablyreceived by the opposing side support, an adjustable cross-memberconfigured to attach to side support and attach to the opposing sidesupport, and a baffle adapted to attach to the adjustable cross-member.

This summary is presented to provide a basic understanding of someaspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein as a prelude tothe detailed description that follows below. Accordingly, this summaryis not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methodsdisclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates by plan view an exemplary implementation of a flowbaffle apparatus installed within a sump;

FIG. 1B illustrates by elevation view portions of the exemplaryimplementation of the flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 illustrates by perspective view portions of the exemplary flowbaffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A illustrates by elevation view portions of the exemplary flowbaffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B illustrates by elevation view portions of the exemplary flowbaffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 illustrates by elevation perspective view portions of theexemplary flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5A illustrates by elevation view portions of the exemplary flowbaffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B illustrates by elevation view portions of the exemplary flowbaffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6 illustrates by elevation perspective view portions of theexemplary flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7A illustrates by elevation perspective view portions of theexemplary flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7B illustrates by elevation perspective view portions of theexemplary flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8 illustrates by process flow chart an exemplary process ofinstallation of the exemplary flow baffle apparatus of FIG. 1A.

The Figures are exemplary only, and the implementations illustratedtherein are selected to facilitate explanation. The number, position,relationship and dimensions of the elements shown in the Figures to formthe various implementations described herein, as well as dimensions anddimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength,flow and similar requirements are explained herein or are understandableto a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure.Where used in the various Figures, the same numerals designate the sameor similar elements. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,”“right,” “left,” “forward,” “rear,” “first,” “second,” “inside,”“outside,” and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood inreference to the orientation of the implementations shown in thedrawings and are utilized to facilitate description thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Methods of flow baffle apparatus installation along with associated flowbaffle apparatus and kits are disclosed herein. The flow baffleapparatus may be positioned within a sump in order to train the flowwithin the sump, and the flow baffle apparatus may be formed for thatpurpose. The flow baffle apparatus may be secured to the walls of thesump in ways that may account for irregularities in the walls. The sumpmay be accessed through a manhole, and the methods of flow baffleapparatus installation, along with the associated flow baffle apparatusand kits, are designed to be implemented through manhole access, invarious aspects.

FIG. 1A illustrates an implementation of flow baffle apparatus 10. Asillustrated in FIG. 1A, flow baffle apparatus 10 is positioned in sump405 to train the flow therein. Pipe 432 leads into sump 410 and pipe 434leads from sump 410 so that flow may pass through pipe 432 into sump410, pass about baffle apparatus 10, which is positioned within sump410, and exit sump 410 through pipe 434. As illustrated, pipe 432 andpipe 434 are positioned generally opposite one another at angle α=180°in the horizontal plane. In other implementations, pipe 432 and pipe 434may be positioned at other angles α in the horizontal plane with respectto one another, may have various sizes, may be set at various elevationswith respect to sump bottom 415 including other benchmarks, or there maybe additional pipes flowing into or out from sump 410.

Flow baffle apparatus 10 includes baffles 50, 60 mounted to adjustablecross-members 91, 93 (see FIG. 2). Adjustable cross-members 91, 93 areattached to side supports 30, 40 (see FIG. 2), and side supports 30, 40are bolted to sidewall 410 of sump 405 generally opposite one anothersuch that baffles 50, 55 are oriented generally perpendicular to theflow into sump 405 from pipe 432. Other implementations of the flowbaffle apparatus may include more or fewer baffles, such as baffles 50,55, or may include more or fewer adjustable cross-members, such asadjustable cross-members 91, 93. The flow baffle apparatus, such as flowbaffle apparatus 10, may have other orientations with respect to theinflow pipe(s), such as pipe 433, and with respect to outflow pipe(s),such as pipe 434, in other implementations. Sidewall 410 of sump 405 isgenerally circular in this implementation, but other implementations mayhave multiple sidewalls or the sidewall(s) may have various shapes suchas elliptical, polygonal, or so forth.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, adjustable cross-member 93 includescross-member 82, cross-member connector 86, and cross-member 84 (seeFIGS. 2, 3A) with cross-members 82, 84 slideably received uponcross-member connector 86. Adjustable cross-member 91 includescross-member 72, cross-member connector 76, and cross-member 74 withcross-members 72, 74 slideably received upon cross-member connector 76,as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3B.

FIG. 1B illustrates flow baffle apparatus 10 positioned in sump 405 bycut-away elevation view. As illustrated, sump 405 may be accessedthrough manhole 420, which is covered by manhole cover 422. The portionsof flow baffle apparatus 10 may be passed into sump 405 through manhole420 for installation within sump 405. In various implementations, theportions of the flow baffle apparatus 10 are designed to pass throughthe manhole 420, where the manhole 420 may have an inside diameter of 24inches. In some implementations, the inside diameter of the manhole 420may be 21 inches or less and the portions of the flow baffle apparatus10 may be designed to pass therethrough. The sump 405 in which the flowbaffle apparatus 10 is installed may range from about 4 ft. in diameterto about 8 ft. in diameter or other characteristic dimension, in variousimplementations. Portions of the flow baffle apparatus 10 may bedisassembled when passed through the manhole 420 and then assembled inthe sump 405 as part of the installation process. These disassembledcomponents may be sized to pass through the manhole 420. The componentsof the flow baffle apparatus 10 may be designed to fit the sump 405 whenassembled.

In the view illustrated in FIG. 1B, baffle 50 is mounted to cross-member82 of adjustable cross-member 93 and to cross-member 72 of adjustablecross-member 91. Cross-members 72, 82 are attached to side support 30(see FIGS. 1A, 2, 4, 5A). Leveling support 22 joins side support 30 inthis implementation. Leveling support 22 may be utilized to positionside support 30 relative to sump bottom 415 prior to bolting of sidesupport 30 onto sidewall 410 of sump 405. Bolting, bolt, and bolted, asused herein, encompasses securing or securement using concrete anchors,anchor bolts, or other such methods or mechanisms of attachment toconcrete, masonry, and suchlike. Bolting, bolt, and bolted, as usedherein, encompasses bolted attachment to steel plate that may formportions of side 410 of sump 405, welded attachment to such steel plate,cemented anchors, and other such methods or mechanisms of attachment andcombinations of methods or mechanisms of attachment. Bolting, bolt, andbolted, as used herein, excludes interference fit. Side supports 30, 40may include bolt holes or other features that facilitate bolting of theside supports 30, 40 to sidewall 410 of sump 405.

FIG. 2 illustrates portions of flow baffle apparatus 10 includes baffles50, 60, adjustable cross-members 91, 93, cross-members 72, 74, 82, 84,cross-member connectors 76, 86, side supports 30, 40, and levelingsupports 22,24. The various components of flow baffle apparatus 10including baffles 50, 60, adjustable cross-members 91, 93, cross-members72, 74, 82, 84, cross-member connectors 76, 86, side supports 30, 40,and leveling supports 22, 24 may be formed, for example, of metals suchas steel, cast iron, stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum,plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood, combinations thereof,and so forth, as would be readily recognized by those of ordinary skillin the art upon study of the present disclosure. Component(s) may be,for example, galvanized, coated with various plastics that inhibitcorrosion, inhibit the growth of algae or other aquatic organisms on thecomponent(s), coated with various materials that inhibit abrasion, andso forth, as would be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art upon study of the present disclosure. The shapes of the variousmembers such as round, rectangular, and so forth are exemplary and notlimiting. Alternative shapes may be used in various otherimplementations.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, leveling supports 22, 24 are attached to sidesupports 30, 40, respectively. Leveling supports 22, 24, respectively,may be slideably engaged with side supports 30, 40 so that side supports30, 40 may be positioned at a desired position with respect to levelingsupports 22, 24, and locking mechanisms, such as bolt 151 (see FIG. 6),may be provided to secure side supports 30, 40 to leveling supports 22,24 at the desired position. Ends 21, 23 of leveling supports 22, 24,respectively may be rested upon the sump bottom 415 of sump 405 whileside supports 30, 40 are positioned about sidewall 410.

Side supports 30, 40 may be bolted to sidewall 410 of sump 405. Levelingsupports 22, 24 may be used to support side supports 30, 40respectively, in position prior to or while bolting side supports 30, 40to sidewall 410. Side supports 30, 40 may be secured to sidewall 410such that ends 34, 44 are generally horizontally aligned with oneanother (i.e. at the same elevation with respect to a benchmark) usingthe leveling supports 22, 24, respectively. Side support 30 may bepositioned upon sidewall 410 such that end 32 and end 34 of side support30 are generally vertically aligned with one another so that sidesupport 30 runs vertically upon sidewall 410, in some implementations ormay be set at an angle with respect to the vertical in otherimplementations. Side support 40 may be positioned upon sidewall 410such that end 42 and end 44 of side support 40 are generally verticallyaligned with one another so that side support 40 runs vertically uponsidewall 410.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, adjustable cross-member 93 includescross-member 82, cross-member connector 86, and cross-member 84 withcross-members 82, 84 slideably received upon cross-member connector 86.Cross-members 82, 84 are secured to one another by cross-memberconnector 86 that extends at least between ends 104, 112 ofcross-members 82, 84. Cross-members 82, 84 may be slideably mounted uponcross-member connector 86 so that the length 443 of adjustablecross-member 93, which includes cross-members 82, 84 and cross-memberconnector 86, may be adjusted by sliding cross-members 82, 84 uponcross-member connector 86 until length 443 of adjustable cross-member 93is set to span between side support 30 and side support 40 at the pointsof attachment of adjustable cross-member 93. Locks 83, 85 are positionedgenerally proximate ends 104, 112 of cross-members 82, 84 respectively,as illustrated. Locks 83, 85 may secure cross-members 82, 84 uponcross-member connector 86 with the adjustable cross-member 93 positionedat length 443 to hold the adjustable cross-member 93 at length 443.Locks 83, 85 may be eye bolts, set screws, bolts, winged bolts and soforth that frictionally engage the cross-members 82, 84 to cross-memberconnector 86 at the desired length 443. Various numbers of locks, suchas locks 83, 85, may be provided in various implementations and thelocks may be variously positioned along cross-members 82, 84.

Ends 102, 114 of cross-members 82, 84 are secured to ends 34, 44 of sidesupports 30, 40, respectively, and adjustable cross-member 93 spansportions of sump 405 between end 34 of side support 30 and end 44 ofside support 40, as illustrated. Ends 102, 114 of cross-members 82, 84may be secured to end caps 177, 179 (see FIG. 4) that are slidablyreceived over ends 34, 44 of side supports 30, 40, respectively. Ends102, 114 of cross-members 82, 84 may be secured to end caps 177, 179,respectively using bolts, pinned connectors, welds, and so forth, invarious implementation. In various other implementations (not shown),ends 102, 114 of cross-members 82, 84 may be secured directly to ends34, 44 of side supports 30, 40, respectively using bolts, pinnedconnectors, welds, and so forth, in various implementation. With locks83, 85 engaged to secure cross-members 82, 84 upon cross-memberconnector 86, the adjustable cross-member 93 forms a rigid supportspanning between side supports 30, 40 to support baffles 50, 60thereupon. Side supports 30, 40 may be secured to sidewall 410 such thatends 34, 44 are generally horizontally aligned with one another so thatthe adjustable cross-member 93 extends generally horizontally betweenside support 30 and side support 40.

Adjustable cross-member 91, as illustrated in FIG. 2, includescross-member 72, cross-member connector 76, and cross-member 74 withcross-members 72, 74 slideably received upon cross-member connector 76.Cross-members 72, 74 are secured to one another by cross-memberconnector 76 that extends at least between ends 124, 132 ofcross-members 72, 74. Cross-members 72, 74 may be slideably mounted uponcross-member connector 76 so that the length 441 of adjustablecross-member 91, which includes cross-members 72, 74 and cross-memberconnector 76, may be adjusted by sliding cross-members 72, 74 uponcross-member connector 76 until length 441 of adjustable cross-member 91is set to span between side support 30 and side support 40 at the pointsof attachment of adjustable cross-member 91 to side supports 30, 40.Locks 73, 75 are positioned generally proximate ends 124, 132 ofcross-members 72, 74 respectively. Locks 73, 75 may secure cross-members72, 74 upon cross-member connector 76 with the adjustable cross-member91 positioned at length 441 to hold the adjustable cross-member 91 atlength 441. Locks 73, 75 may be eye bolts, set screws, bolts, wingedbolts and so forth that frictionally engage the cross-members 72, 74 tocross-member connector 76 at the desired length 441. Various numbers oflocks, such as locks 73, 75, may be provided in various implementationsand the locks may be located at various positions along cross-members72, 74.

Ends 122, 134 of cross-members 72, 74 are secured to ends 32, 42 of sidesupports 30, 40, respectively, and adjustable cross-member 91 extendsbetween end 32 of side support 30 and end 42 of side support 40 to spanportions of the sump 405 between side support 30 and side support 40, asillustrated. Ends 122, 134 of cross-members 72, 74 may be secured toends 32, 42 of side supports 30, 40, respectively, by being received indetents such as detents 35, 45 (see FIGS. 5A, 5B) or by bolts, pinnedconnectors, welds, combinations thereof, and so forth, in variousimplementation. With locks 73, 75 engaged to secure cross-members 72, 74upon cross-member connector 76, the adjustable cross-member 91 forms arigid support between side supports 30, 40 to support baffles 50, 60thereupon. Side supports 30, 40 may be secured to sidewall 410 such thatends 32, 42 are generally horizontally aligned with one another so thatthe adjustable cross-member 91extends generally horizontally betweenside support 30 and side support 40.

Length 441 may differ from length 443 due to imperfections ofconstruction, and length 441 may differ from length 443 in differentsumps constructed to the same general standard. The length 441 of theadjustable cross-member 91 or the length 443 of adjustable cross-member93 may be adjusted to span between side support 30 and side support 40at the points of attachment of adjustable cross-members 91, 93 in orderto accommodate such variations.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, baffle 50 is formed as a perforated flat sheetof material and is oriented such that surface 56 of baffle 50 isoriented generally upstream and surface 58 of baffle 50 is orientedgenerally downstream. Surfaces 56, 58 of baffle 50 are generally planar.Baffle 50 is secured to cross-member 82 generally along side 55 andbaffle 50 is secured to cross-member 72 generally along side 53, asillustrated in FIG. 2.

Baffle 50, in this implementation, includes channel 141 along side 55and an opposing channel 143 along side 53 (see FIG. 7A). Channel 141 isengaged with cross-member 82 thereby securing side 55 of baffle 50 tocross-member 82, and the opposing channel 143 is secured to cross-member72 thereby securing side 53 of baffle 50 to cross-member 72. Side 52 ofbaffle 50 may be secured to side support 30 by screws, bolts, welds,etc. Surface 58 of baffle 50 is upstream of side support 30 and surface58 may be generally biased against side support 30 by the force of thewater striking surface 56 of baffle 50, as illustrated.

As cross-member 82, which forms a portion of adjustable cross-member 93,may be set generally horizontal, side 55 of baffle 50, which is engagedwith cross-member 82 may be generally horizontal. Water may flow overside 55 of baffle 50 as a weir. As cross-member 72 may be set generallyhorizontal, side 53 of baffle 50, which is engaged with cross-member 72,may also be generally horizontal. Water may flow between side 53 ofbaffle 50 and sump bottom 415 and the baffle 60 and cross-member 72 maybe positioned to provide a gap between side 63 and sump bottom 410 forthe passage of flow therethrough. Holes 94 that pass through baffle 50between surface 56 and surface 58 are disposed about baffle 50, andwater may flow through holes 94 of baffle 50. The holes 94 may begenerally similar in size, as illustrated, or may vary in size in otherimplementations. Holes, such as holes 94, may be placed about thebaffle(s), such as baffles 50, 60, such that the baffle(s) may have apercent of open area ranging from about 40% to about 50%, and thediameter of holes 94 may range from about 2 inches to about 6 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, baffle 60 is oriented such that surface 66 ofbaffle 60 faces upstream and surface 68 of baffle 60 faces downstream.Baffle 60 is secured to cross-member 84 generally along side 65 andbaffle 60 is secured to cross-member 74 of adjustable cross-member 91generally along side 63, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Baffle 60, in thisimplementation, includes a channel 161 along side 65 and an opposingchannel 163 along side 63 (see FIG. 7B). Channel 161 is engaged withcross-member 84 of adjustable cross-member 93 thereby securing side 65of baffle 60 to cross-member 84, and the opposing channel 163 is securedto cross-member 74 thereby securing side 63 of baffle 60 to cross-member74. Portions of baffle 60 generally along side 62 may be secured to sidesupport 40 by screws, bolts, welds, etc. Surface 68 of baffle 60 isupstream of side support 40 and may be generally biased against sidesupport 40 by the force of the water striking surface 66 of baffle 60,as illustrated.

As cross-member 84, which forms a portion of adjustable cross-member 93,may be set generally horizontal, side 65 of baffle 60, which is engagedwith adjustable cross-member 84 may be generally horizontal. Water mayflow over side 65 of baffle 60 as a weir. As adjustable cross-member 74may be set generally horizontal, side 63 of baffle 60, which is engagedwith adjustable cross-member 74, may be generally horizontal. Water mayflow between side 63 of baffle 60 and sump bottom 415 and the baffle 60may be positioned to provide a gap between side 63 and sump bottom 415for the passage of flow therethrough. Holes 94 that pass through baffle60 between surface 66 and surface 68 are disposed about baffle 60, andwater may flow through holes 94 of baffle 60.

Side 54 of baffle 50 faces side 64 of screen 60, as illustrated in FIG.2. Side 54 of screen 50 may be generally aligned with side 64 of screen60 and sides 54 and 64 may be generally vertical, in implementations inwhich length 441 is substantially equal to length 443. Inimplementations in which length 441 differs from length 443, side 54 ofscreen 50 may be overlapped with side 64 of screen 60 to compensate fordifferences between length 441 and length 443. Notches 153, 155 areprovided along side 54 of baffle 50, and notches 163, 165 are providedalong side 64 of baffle 60, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to allow screen 50to overlap with screen 60, to allow for adjustment of the length 441 ofadjustable cross-member 91, or to allow for adjustment of the length 443of adjustable cross-member 93. Connectors 171, 173 may be disposedproximate sides 54, 64, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to secure sides 54, 64to one another.

In implementations wherein side supports 30, 40 are oriented vertically,baffles 50, 60 are oriented such that perpendiculars to surfaces 56, 58of baffle 50 and perpendiculars to surfaces 66, 68 of baffle 60 point inthe horizontal direction. In implementations wherein side supports 30,40 are oriented at an angle to the vertical, baffles 50, 60 are orientedsuch that perpendiculars to surfaces 56, 58 of baffle 50 andperpendiculars to surfaces 66, 68 of baffle 60 point in a directionperpendicular to the angle to the vertical of side supports 30, 40.

FIG. 3A illustrates an implementation of adjustable cross-member 93 thatincludes cross-member 82 and cross-member 84 slideably receivescross-member connector 86. As illustrated, cross-member 82 receivesportions of cross-member connector 86 internally so that cross-member 82slides over cross-member connector 86 to adjust the length 443 ofadjustable cross-member 93. Cross-member 82 and cross-member connector86 may be locked into position with respect to one another using lock 83to hold adjustable cross-member 93 at the desired length. Lock 83 isformed as a eye bolt threadedly engaged with cross-member 82 that may beturned until frictionally engaged with cross-member connector 86 to lockthe cross-member connector 86 and cross-member 82 to one another, inthis implementation. Lock 83 may be a bolt, screw, or other mechanismsuitable to releasably engage cross-member 82 and cross-member connector86 to one another in various implementations.

Cross-member 84 is slideably received on cross-member connector 86, asillustrated in FIG. 3A. Cross-member 84 receives portions ofcross-member connector 86 internally, so that cross-member 84 slidesover cross-member connector 86, in this implementation, to adjust thelength 443 of adjustable cross-member 93. Cross-member 84 andcross-member connector 86 may be locked into position with respect toone another using lock 85 to hold adjustable cross-member 93 at thedesired length. Lock 85 is formed as an eye bolt threadedly engaged withcross-member 84 that may be turned until frictionally engaged withcross-member connector 86 to lock the cross-member connector 86 andcross-member 84 to one another, in this implementation. Lock 85 may be abolt, screw, or other mechanism suitable to releasably engagecross-member 84 and cross-member connector 86 to one another in variousimplementations.

FIG. 3B illustrates cross-member 72 and cross-member 74 slideablyreceived on cross-member connector 76 to form adjustable cross-member91. As illustrated, portions of cross-member connector 76 are receivedinternally by cross-member 72, so that cross-member 72 slides overcross-member connector 76 to adjust the length 441 of adjustablecross-member 91. Cross-member 72 and cross-member connector 76 may belocked into position with respect to one another using lock 73 to holdadjustable cross-member 91 at the desired length. Lock 73 is formed asan eye bolt hreadedly engaged with cross-member 72 that may be turneduntil frictionally engaged with cross-member connector 76 to lock thecross-member connector 76 and cross-member 72 to one another, in thisimplementation. Lock 73 may be a bolt, screw, or other mechanismsuitable to releasably engage cross-member 72 and cross-member connector76 to one another in various implementations.

Cross-member 74 is slideably received on cross-member connector 76, asillustrated in FIG. 3B. Portions of cross-member connector 76 arereceived internally by cross-member 74, so that cross-member 74 slidesover cross-member connector 76 to adjust the length 441 of adjustablecross-member 91, in this implementation. Cross-member 74 andcross-member connector 76 may be locked into position with respect toone another to hold adjustable cross-member 91 at the desired lengthusing lock 75. Lock 75 is formed as an eye bolt threadedly engaged withcross-member 74 that may be turned until frictionally engaged withcross-member connector 76 to lock the cross-member connector 76 andcross-member 74 to one another, in this implementation. Lock 75 may be abolt, screw, or other mechanism suitable to releasably engagecross-member 74 and cross-member connector 76 to one another in variousimplementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates the engagement of adjustable cross-member 93 withside supports 30, 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, end 121 of cross-member82 of adjustable cross-member 93 includes hole 125 that may be alignedwith holes 103 of flange 108 of end cap 177. End cap 177 is adapted tobe slidably received over portions of side support 30 generallyproximate end 34, and end cap 177 may be held in place upon end 34 by acombination of friction and gravity. Bolt 107 may be passed throughholes 103, 125 to secure end 121 of cross-member 82 to end cap 177. Nut109 may be threadedly affixed to bolt 107 to hold bolt 107 in placewithin holes 103, 125.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, end 123 of cross-member 84 of adjustablecross-member 93 includes hole 131 that may be aligned with holes 133 offlange 113 of end cap 179. End cap 179 is adapted to be slidablyreceived over portions of side support 40 generally proximate end 44 endcap 179 may be held in place upon end 44 by a combination of frictionand gravity. Bolt 127 may be passed through holes 131, 133 to secure end123 of cross-member 84 to end cap 179. Nut 129 may be threadedly affixedto bolt 127 to hold bolt 127 in place within holes 131, 133. Variouspins, screws, welds, and other fasteners may be substituted for bolts107, 127 and nuts 109, 129 in other implementations.

Use of end caps 177, 179 to secure adjustable cross-member 93 to sidesupports 30, 40 allows for the assembly of adjustable cross-member 93 inattachment to end caps 177, 179. The assembly of adjustable cross-member93 with end caps 177, 179 attached thereto may be manipulated byattaching a cable to lock 83, 85 which are configured as eye bolts inthis implementation. For example, end caps 177, 179 could be attached toadjustable cross-member 93 above ground and the assembly of adjustablecross-member 93 with end caps 177, 179 attached thereto may be loweredinto the sump and onto ends 34, 44 using a cable attached to locks 83,85. As an additional example, the assembly of adjustable cross-member 93with end caps 177, 179 attached thereto may be pulled off of ends 34, 44and removed from the sump by a cable attached to locks 83, 85.

In other implementations, adjustable cross-member 93 may be secured toside supports 30, 40, for example, by bolts, screws, various otherfasteners, welds, combinations thereof, and so forth, in otherimplementations. Although FIG. 4 illustrates adjustable cross-member 93secured to side supports 30, 40 generally at ends 34, 44, adjustablecross-member 93 may be secured to side supports 30, 40 at otherlocations generally between ends 32, 34 and between ends 42, 44,respectively, in various other implementations.

FIG. 5A illustrates the engagement of adjustable cross-member 91 withside supports 30, 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, detents 35, 45 arelocated proximate ends 32, 42 of sides supports 30, 40, respectively.End 122 of cross-member 72 of adjustable cross-member 91 is receivedwithin receptacle 137 of detent 35, and end 134 of cross-member 74 isreceived within receptacle 139 of detent 45. With at least some ofcross-members 72, 74 and cross-member connector 76 slideably engagedwith one another, ends 122, 134 may be placed in receptacles 137, 139and then cross-members 72, 74 and cross-member connector 76 locked intofixed engagement with one another to hold ends 122, 134 withinreceptacles 137, 139. Adjustable cross-member 91 may be manipulated byattaching a cable to locks 73, 75 that are configured as eye bolts inthis implementation.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, detents 35, 45 are positioned proximate ends32, 42 of side supports 30, 40. Detents 35, 45 may be positioned atother locations along side supports 30, 40 in other implementations, anddetents 35, 45 may or may not be symmetrically positioned along sidesupports 30, 40 with respect to one another. Adjustable cross-member 91may be secured to side supports 30, 40, in other ways, for example, bybolts, screws, various other fasteners, welds, combinations thereof, andso forth, in other implementations.

A detail of detent 35 with end 122 of cross-member 72 received thereinis illustrated in FIG. 5B. As illustrated, detent 35 is secured to sidesupport 30 generally proximate end 32. Detent 35 may be welded to sidesupport 30, bolted to side support 30, or secured to side support 30 invarious other ways. Detent 35 includes receptacle 137, which is formedas rectangular cavity within detent 35. End 122 of cross-member 72 isrectangular in shape to conform to the rectangular cavity form ofreceptacle 137 in order to be received within receptacle 137, asillustrated. The rectangular shape of cross-member 72 and receptacle 137may prevent rotation of cross-member 72 when cross-member 72 is receivedwithin receptacle 137. In this implementation, detent 45 with end 134 ofcross-member 74 received therein is similar to detent 35 with end 122 ofcross-member 72 received therein as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6 illustrates portions of side support 30 proximate end 22 engagedwith leveling support 22. As illustrated in FIG. 6, leveling support 22is slideably received within side support 30. Bolt 151 is threadedlyengaged with side support 30 such that, when tightened, bolt 151frictionally engages leveling support 22 to hold the side support 30fixedly to leveling support 22. Thus, the leveling support 22 and sidesupport 30 may be slideably positioned with respect to one another andthen locked into position by tightening bolt 151. Side support 40 mayslideably receive leveling support 24 and side support 40 may be fixedto leveling support 24 in a manner similar to that of leveling support22 and side support 30 illustrated in FIG. 6. In implementations such asthat illustrated in FIG. 6, ends 21, 23 of side supports 22, 24,respectively, may be placed upon sump bottom 415 of sump 405 and sidessupports 30, 40 may be slid upon leveling supports 22, 24, respectively,until ends 34, 44, of side supports 30, 40 are positioned at the desiredelevation, respectively, about side 410. With side supports 30, 40 sopositioned, the side supports may then be attached to the wall 410 ofthe sump 405.

FIG. 7A illustrates portions of baffle 50 including channel 141 andchannel 143. As illustrated, channel 141 is formed along side 55 ofbaffle 50 and channel 143 is formed along side 53, which is oppositeside 55, of baffle 50. As illustrated, channel 143 is formed generallyalong surface 56 of baffle 50 and channel 141 is formed generally alongsurface 58 of baffle 50 so that channel 141 and channel 143 extend forthperpendicularly in opposite directions from opposing surfaces of baffle50. Channel 141 and channel 143 may be generally rectangular in shape.Channel 141 may be engaged with cross-member 82 of adjustablecross-member 93 and channel 143 may be engaged with cross-member 72 ofadjustable cross-member 91 to secure the baffle 50 to adjustablecross-members 93, 91, respectively. Cross-member 82 may be generallyrectangular in shape in correspondence to the shape of channel 141 inorder to be received within channel 141. Cross-member 72 may begenerally rectangular in shape in correspondence to the shape of channel143 in order to be received within channel 143.

FIG. 7B illustrates portions of baffle 60 including channel 161 andchannel 163. As illustrated, channel 161 is formed along side 65 ofbaffle 60 and channel 163 is formed along side 63, which is oppositeside 65, of baffle 60. As illustrated, channel 163 is formed generallyalong surface 66 of baffle 60 and channel 161 is formed generally alongsurface 68 of baffle 60 so that channel 161 and channel 163 extend forthperpendicularly in opposite directions from opposing surfaces of baffle60. Channel 161 and channel 163 may be generally rectangular in shape.Channel 161 may be engaged with cross-member 84 of adjustablecross-member 93 and channel 163 may be engaged with cross-member 74 ofadjustable cross-member 91 to secure the baffle 60 to adjustablecross-members 93, 91, respectively. Cross-member 84 may be generallyrectangular in shape in correspondence to the shape of channel 161 inorder to be received within channel 161. Cross-member 74 may begenerally rectangular in shape in correspondence to the shape of channel163 in order to be received within channel 163.

In assembly, the components, including, for example, baffles, such asbaffles 50, 60, adjustable cross-members, such as adjustablecross-members 91, 93, side supports, such as side supports 30, 40, andleveling supports, such as leveling supports 22, 24, may be ported intoa sump, such as sump 405, through a manhole, such as manhole 420. Thecomponents may be in various states of disassembly to accommodatepassage through the manhole, which includes other access passages, intothe sump. For example, adjustable cross-members may be separated intosubcomponents. For example, adjustable cross-members 91, 93 may bedisassembled into subcomponents that include cross-members 72, 74, 82,84 and cross-member connectors 76, 86, and the subcomponents may bepassed through the manhole. The components, the subcomponents, orcombinations thereof, may be sized to pass through the manhole into thesump and may be sized for assembly in the sump and may be sized forinstallation within a sump having a particular diameter or othercharacteristic dimension. Lightweight materials may be selected to formthe components or the subcomponents, for example, in order to facilitatepassage through the manhole into the sump.

Side supports may be slideably received upon the leveling supports withone side support received upon a corresponding leveling support. Forexample, side support 30 may be received upon corresponding levelingsupport 22 and side support 40 may be received upon correspondingleveling support 24. The ends, such as ends 21, 23, of the levelingsupports may be placed upon the sump bottom, such as sump bottom 415,and the corresponding side supports then positioned about the sidewall,such as sidewall 410. With ends of the leveling supports resting uponthe sump bottom, the side supports may be slidably positioned upon theleveling supports until the side supports are positioned at the desiredelevation. The side supports may be positioned in a generally verticalorientation. With the side supports positioned upon the levelingsupports such that ends, such as ends 34, 44, are positioned at adesired elevation(s) with respect to a benchmark, the side supports maybe locked to the corresponding leveling supports such that the levelingsupports, which rest upon the sump bottom, support the correspondingside supports in the desired position. The side supports may be lockedto the leveling support using a locking mechanism, such as bolt 151.With the side supports supported in position by the leveling supports,the side supports may be bolted to the sidewall of the sump. The ends ofthe side supports may be generally in horizontal alignment with oneanother. For example, end 34 of side support 30 may be placed atessentially the same elevation as end 44 of side support 40 so that end34 and end 44 are in horizontal alignment with one another. Similarly,for example, ends 32 42 may be placed at essentially the same elevationso that ends 32, 42 are in horizontal alignment with one another.

Adjustable cross-members, such as adjustable cross-members 91, 93, maybe assembled from cross-members and cross-member connectors. Forexample, adjustable cross-member 91 may be assembled from cross-members72, 74 and cross-member connector 76 by receiving cross-members 72, 74upon cross-member connector 76. As a further example, adjustablecross-member 93 may be assembled from cross-members 82, 84 andcross-member connector 86 by receiving cross-members 82, 84 uponcross-member connector 86. The adjustable cross-members may be assembledabove ground, within the sump, or both.

An end of the adjustable cross-member, such as end 121, 122, may besecured to the side support. An opposing end of the adjustablecross-member, such as ends 123, 134, may be secured to the opposing sidesupport. The ends of the adjustable cross member may be secured to endcaps such as end caps 177, 179 and the end caps may be placed over endsof the side supports to secure the adjustable cross member to the sidesupports. The adjustable cross-member may be secured directly to theside supports by, for example, a pinned connection, by being receivedwithin a detent, weld, or bolt or other fastener, or combinationsthereof. The adjustable cross-member may be locked into the desiredlength, such as length 441, 443, prior to attachment to the sidesupports, locked at the desired length following attachment to the sidesupports, or locked at the desired length while being attached to theside supports, in various implementations. The adjustable cross-membermay be locked at the desired length by locks, such as locks 73, 75, 83,85, provided about the adjustable cross-member for that purpose. Lengthsof the adjustable cross-members, such as lengths 441, 443, areadjustable to vary in order to compensate for variations in the distancebetween the side supports that may result, for example, fromimperfections of construction of the sump.

The baffle(s), such as baffles 50, 60, may be secured to the adjustablecross-members. The baffle(s) may be secured to the adjustablecross-members by channels, such as channels 141, 143, 161, 163, that fitover portions of the adjustable cross-members such that portions of theadjustable cross-members are received within the channels to secure thebaffle(s) to the adjustable cross-members. Additional or alternativemechanisms of attachment apart from the channels may be provided tosecure the baffle(s) to the adjustable cross-members in variousimplementations. The baffle(s) may be secured to the adjustablecross-members at any convenient point in the assembly. The baffle(s) maybe secured to the side support(s) by bolt, weld, various fasteners, andso forth. In implementations involving multiple baffles, the baffles maybe secured to one another in various ways. Various implementations mayemploy one baffle, two baffles as generally illustrated herein, or threeor more baffles.

FIG. 8 illustrates by process flow diagram an exemplary process ofassembly 400. As illustrated in FIG. 8, process 400 is entered at step401. At step 405, a side support, which is slideably received on aleveling support, is slid upon leveling support into position at thedesired elevation within the sump.

At step 410, the side support is locked to the leveling support. At step415, the side support is bolted to the sidewall of the sump. The sidesupport may be supported by the leveling support to which the sidesupport is locked generally during step 415. The leveling support mayrest upon the sump bottom of the sump to hold the side support inposition while the side support is bolted to the sidewall of the sump.

At step 420, an opposing side support, which is slideably received on acorresponding leveling support, is slid upon the corresponding levelingsupport into position at the desired elevation within the sump. Theopposing side support is locked to the corresponding leveling support atstep 425. The opposing side support is bolted to the sidewall of thesump at step 430. The opposing side support may be support by thecorresponding leveling support to which the opposing side support islocked generally during step 430. The corresponding leveling support mayrest upon the sump bottom of the sump to hold the opposing side supportin position while the opposing side support is bolted to the sidewall ofthe sump. The leveling supports may be removed from the side support andfrom the opposing side support after the side support and the opposingside support have been bolted to the sidewall.

An adjustable cross-member is adjusted to span between the side supportand the opposing side support, at step 435. The adjustable cross-memberis then secured to the side support and secured to the opposing sidesupport at step 440. The adjustable cross-member may be locked into thelength require to span between the side support and the opposing sidesupport during either step 435 or step 440, in various implementations.

At step 450, an opposing adjustable cross-member is adjusted to spanbetween the side support and the opposing side support. The opposingadjustable cross-member is then secured to the side support and securedto the opposing side support at step 455. The adjustable cross-membermay be locked into the length require to span between the side supportand the opposing side support during either step 450 or step 455, invarious implementations. At step 460, a baffle is secured to theadjustable cross-member and secured to the opposing adjustablecross-member. The length of the adjustable cross-member and the opposingadjustable cross-member may vary from one another to account forvariations in the distance between the side supports at the points wherethe adjustable cross-member and the opposing adjustable cross-member areconnected to the side supports.

The foregoing discussion along with the Figures discloses and describesvarious exemplary implementations. These implementations are not meantto limit the scope of coverage, but, instead, to assist in understandingthe context of the language used in this specification and in theclaims. Upon study of this disclosure and the exemplary implementationsherein, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize thatvarious changes, modifications and variations can be made theretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as definedin the following claims.

1. A method of flow baffle installation, comprising the steps of:orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of asump using a leveling support; bolting the side support to the sidewallof the sump following the step of orienting a side support at aspecified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support;orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about thesidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support; bolting theopposing side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step oforienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about thesidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support; andadjusting an adjustable cross-member to span between the side supportand the opposing side support.
 2. The method, as in claim 1, furthercomprising the step of: securing the adjustable cross-member to the sidesupport and to the opposing side support with the adjustablecross-member horizontally spanning between the side support and theopposing side support; and securing a baffle to the adjustablecross-member, a baffle edge of the baffle generally in horizontalalignment with the adjustable cross-member.
 3. The method, as in claim2, wherein the baffle has a generally planar perforated surface.
 4. Themethod, as in claim 2, further comprising the step of: securing thebaffle to a second adjustable cross-member, the second adjustablecross-member secured to the side support and secured to the opposingside support.
 5. The method, as in claim 4, wherein the secondadjustable cross-member differs in length from the adjustablecross-member when the second adjustable cross-member and the adjustablecross-member are secured to the side support and the opposing sidesupport.
 6. The method, as in claim 4, wherein the baffle includes achannel and an opposing channel, the channel is engaged with theadjustable cross-member thereby securing the baffle to the adjustablecross-member, the opposing channel is secured to the second adjustablecross-member thereby securing the baffle to the second adjustablecross-member.
 7. The method, as in claim 4, wherein the channel and theopposing channel have opposite orientations with respect to surfaces ofthe baffle.
 8. The method, as in claim 2, further comprising the stepof: securing the baffle to the side support.
 9. The method, as in claim2, further comprising the step of: securing another baffle to theadjustable cross-member with edges generally in horizontal alignmentwith the adjustable cross-member.
 10. The method, as in claim 8, whereinportions of the baffles overlap one another.
 11. The method, as in claim2, wherein the adjustable cross-member is secured to the side supportand to the opposing side support generally at ends thereof set at thehighest elevation.
 12. A flow baffle installation kit, comprising: aside support adapted to attach to a sidewall of a sump; a levelingsupport adapted to be slideably received by the side support; anopposing side support adapted to attach to the sidewall of the sump; acorresponding leveling support adapted to be slideably received by theopposing side support; an adjustable cross-member configured to attachto side support and attach to the opposing side support; and a baffleadapted to attach to the adjustable cross-member.
 13. The kit, as inclaim 12, further comprising: a second adjustable cross-member adaptedto attach to the side support, to the opposing side support, and to thebaffle.
 14. The kit, as in claim 13, wherein the baffle includes achannel and an opposing channel having opposing orientations, thechannel and the opposing channel adapted to attach the baffle to theadjustable cross-member and to attach the baffle to the secondadjustable cross-member.
 15. The kit, as in claim 12, wherein componentsof said kit are sized and at a state of disassembly that allows passageof the components into a sump through a manhole.
 16. A flow baffleapparatus, comprising: a side support securable to a sidewall of a sump;a leveling support slideably engaged with the side support; an opposingside support securable to the sidewall of the sump; a correspondingleveling support slideably engaged with the opposing side support; anadjustable cross-member secured to the side support and secured to theopposing side support to span between the side support and the opposingside support; and a baffle attached to the adjustable cross-member. 17.The apparatus, as in claim 16, further comprising: a second adjustablecross-member secured to the side support and secured to the opposingside support to span between the side support and the opposing sidesupport, the second adjustable cross-member attached to the baffle. 18.The apparatus, as in claim 16, further comprising: another baffleattached to the adjustable cross-member adjacent the baffle.
 19. Theapparatus, as in claim 17, wherein the baffle includes a channel and anopposing channel having opposing orientations with respect to the planedefined by the baffle, the channel adapted to receive the adjustablecross-member to attach the baffle thereto, the opposing channel adaptedto receive the second adjustable cross-member to attach the bafflethereto.
 20. The apparatus, as in claim 14, wherein the side support andthe opposing side support are disposed about a sidewall of a sump.